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Course Outline

CRM400 Advanced Issues in Criminology & Justice

Course Coordinator:Kelly Hine (khine@usc.edu.au) School:School of Law and Society

2023Semester 2

UniSC Sunshine Coast

 Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

In this course students will undertake an in-depth analysis of some of the major theoretical perspectives and debates that have influenced the contemporary direction of crime and justice-related research, policy and practice. This course exposes students to the social constructions of crime and criminality across local and international contexts and builds your skills for solving complex problems. You will research, analyse, evaluate and communicate key issues related to specific problems using media sources, government reviews and global scientific research to build these key graduate skills.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – On campus workshop 3hrs Week 1 13 times

Course Topics

Contemporary issues in Criminology

What level is this course?

400 Level (Graduate)

Demonstrating coherence and breadth or depth of knowledge and skills. Independent application of knowledge and skills in unfamiliar contexts. Meeting professional requirements and AQF descriptors for the degree. May require pre-requisites where discipline specific introductory or developing knowledge or skills is necessary. Normally undertaken in the third or fourth full-time study year of an undergraduate program.

What is the unit value of this course?

24 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming...
1 Demonstrate advanced theoretical and technical knowledge related to a specific topic related to Criminology and Justice Knowledgeable
2 Demonstrate advanced skills in locating, evaluating and synthesising information from a variety of academic and non-academic sources Creative and critical thinker
3 Communicate a clear and coherent exposition of knowledge and ideas to contribute to the discipline Engaged
4 Demonstrate autonomy, well-developed judgement, adaptability and responsibility for own learning and practice Empowered

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

Enrolled in Program AR409

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

Feedback will be provided using formative activities during workshops to prepare you for each assessment task.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Activity Participation Individual 10% 
Weeks 1-13
 Refer to Format In Class
All 2 Essay Individual 30% 
2500 words
 Week 4 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 3a Artefact - Creative Individual 30% 
10 minutes
 Refer to Format Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 3b Oral Individual 30% 
40 minutes
 Refer to Format In Class
All - Assessment Task 1:Activity Participation and Feedback
Goal: 
The goal of this task is to encourage you to develop autonomy, judgement, adaptability and responsibility for your own learning and practice
Product: Activity Participation
Format: 
Every student is expected to attend and participate actively in class discussions across at least 9 of the classes following week 1. This will include providing formal feedback to seminar presenters.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Assessment criteria is based on your overall contributions to discussions throughout the semester. You will be assessed on the quality and quantity of your contributions to these discussions, including:
 4
2 
Prepared for the topic and having read the material
 4
3 
Making more than one substantive contribution to class discussions
 4
4 
Engaging in critical debates and respectfully expressing your opinion
 4
5 
Providing formal feedback to seminar presenters
 4
All - Assessment Task 2:Essay
Goal: 
The goal of this task is to research, summarise and critique a topical issue that considers current and future directions within Criminology and Justice practice
Product: Essay
Format: 
A 2500-word individual written essay, excluding references. The specific topic will be covered in class during Week 1. You will have the opportunity to gain formative feedback to prepare for this task by participating in class discussion and other class activities.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Research and synthesise relevant diverse source material
 1 2 4
2 
Advanced analytical and critical thinking skills
 1 2 4
3 
Use of evidence and examples to effectively illustrate arguments
 1 2 3 4
4 
Communicate clearly and coherently, including structure, grammar and referencing
 3
All - Assessment Task 3a:Recorded Multi-Media Presentation
Goal: 
The goal of this task is to develop your skills in presenting information to diverse audiences on a specific contemporary issue in crime and criminal justice
Product: Artefact - Creative
Format: 
You are to record a 10-minute multi-media presentation for the class on a specific topic as the introduction to your seminar (assessment 3b). Your topic will be negotiated with the course coordinator across Weeks 1 to 3 of semester. The presentation should state the key issues, debates and messages relating to the topic to introduce your peers to the topic and to stimulate discussion of the topic.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Synthesise relevant academic, institutional and media sources relating to the specific topic
 1 2 4
2 
Advanced analytical and critical thinking skills
 1 2 4
3 
Evidence and examples to effectively illustrate arguments
 1 2 3 4
4 
Communicate complex ideas simply and in an engaging format
 3
All - Assessment Task 3b:Seminar Presentation and Facilitation
Goal: 
To lead and facilitate a seminar and critical debates on a specific contemporary issue in crime and criminal justice
Product: Oral
Format: 
40 minute in-class seminar presentation and group facilitation on a specific contemporary issue. Guidelines will be provided on Canvas early in the course. This is an interactive and engaging presentation. You are responsible for leading and moderating participant discussion. You are to prepare at least three discussion questions for students to consider in preparation for your seminar and to stimulate class discussion. Audio and/or visual aids may be used in addition to the resource created (assessment 3a) for the seminar.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Synthesise relevant academic, institutional and media sources relating to the specific topic
 1 2 4
2 
Advanced analytical and critical thinking skills
 1 2 4
3 
Evidence and examples to effectively illustrate arguments
 1 2 3 4
4 
Communicate complex ideas simply and in an engaging format
 3
5 
Lead and moderate participant discussion
 3 4

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

There are no required/recommended resources for this course.

Specific requirements

Not applicable

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:

The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%
The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale
You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submission of assessment tasks may be penalised at the following maximum rate: 
- 5% (of the assessment task's identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- 10% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the third day - 20% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late. To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome.

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au
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